cream

English

/kɹiːm/

noun
Definitions
  • The butterfat/milkfat part of milk which rises to the top; this part when separated from the remainder.
  • A yellowish white colour; the colour of cream.
  • (informal) Frosting, custard, creamer or another substance similar to the oily part of milk or to whipped cream.
  • (figuratively) The best part of something.
  • (medicine) A viscous aqueous oil/fat emulsion with a medicament added, used to apply that medicament to the skin. (compare with ointment)
  • (vulgar) Semen.
  • (obsolete) The chrism or consecrated oil used in anointing ceremonies.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English creme, creime derived from Old French creme, cresme derived from Latin chrisma derived from Ancient Greek χρῖσμα (unguent, anointing, unction) derived from Latin crāmum derived from Gaulish *crama derived from Proto-Indo-European *(s)krama-.

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*(s)krama-

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms